A trial-trenched evaluation was carried out by Colchester Archaeological Trust in May 1998, to investigate the archaeological implications of proposed redevelopment at the site known as the Old Poultry Market (The North Gate Centre) in North Station Road, Colchester. The investigation consisted of four machine-dug trenches in an area 0.28ha. In size. Three trenches were excavated by mechanical digger using a 1.5m wide toothless ditching blade, then examined manually down to a depth of 1.2m. Deposits beyond 1.2m were not closely inspected for H&S reasons. In Trench 1, the evaluation revealed a Roman wall foundation, aligned nnw-sse, near the present road frontage and also evidence of late medieval or post-medieval buildings and pits at the frontage and centre of the site. The fourth trench was only examined from a distance for H&S reasons as it was in an area infested by rats. <1> The evaluation was subsequently followed by a watching brief during groundworks for the new development in 1999. <2>